I returned tonight from House’s wedding to Nikki. House was, of course, my freshman roommate. Nikki was a good friend of Martin during my freshman year, during which time Martin was House’s and my SA. Back then, I never would have guessed that three and a half years later I would be at their wedding.

The wedding itself was traditional (in a church) with all of the usual suspects present. I was honored to be one of the groomsmen, a role I have heretofore not played in a wedding. The ceremony was nice; the reception had great craic.

I hope that Nikki and House enjoy many years of happiness and love with one another. It was a privilege to see them joined in matrimony.

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As I write this at 3:00 a.m. on Sunday morning, I can’t help but notice that I will be landing in Germany in 49 hours. I think I’m prepared; if not, I can deal with just about anything so long as I have my plane tickets, rail pass, and credit cards.

People have told me that having a book along for the trip is useful. After much thought (and, admittedly, some help from the proximity of the “bargain books” table to the checkout at Barnes & Noble), I chose The Sun Also Rises. The connection? Pamplona: running with bulls!

And, should you (and by you I mean my family) feel obligated to point out the danger inherent in bulls, let me go on the record now as saying that if I get gored, I vow to eat a steak from the culprit bull. Yeah, it’s hazardous — that’s part of the appeal!